BOOKS My goal with this book was to summarize the definition of the Martial Arts styles commonly studied. This guide will help someone who is considering the Martial Arts or give current Martial Artists an overview of other styles that are studied. As I researched the information, it was sometimes contradictory and a little long to digest. However, while studying these origins, I seemed to take a trip back in time with the founding Masters from many countries around the world. I want my readers to meet the creators of each art, understand why they saw the need for their system and the design of their style. Fist fighting can be traced back to the Sumerians, five thousand years ago. However, to most Martial Arts historians, Bodhidharma (470-523), an Indian Prince, is credited with the creation of Martial Arts from the Far East. He gave up his right to the throne to become a Monk and study Buddhism. His master, Prajnatara also taught Bodhidharma an Indian fighting system called “Kalaripayattu.” Master Prajnatara requested that Bodhidharma travel into China with his teachings and knowledge after he died. He crossed the Himalayan Mountains to do just that. He ultimately settled on a Shaolin Temple and offered to the Shaolin Monks Buddhism and his fighting system, which became known as Kung Fu. However, there are also many records of other nations that had their own origins of Martial Arts systems. Today, there are many styles and variations of each discipline and system. There are also some newer styles that have been created for more current times. Simply though, any fighting system is just a logical concept of attack and defend. However, each style has a different approach and perception. The common question is, “what Art is the best”? Each style lends itself to different situations, and the person who is proficient in several styles has the advantage in many ways. This book is a contribution to the Martial Arts on my 55th Anniversary year studying the Martial Arts. My grandfather boxed in the Army during WWI, my dad boxed in the Navy during WWII, and continued as his exercise routine after the war. Naturally, I picked up on boxing in high school during the summer of 1963. In 1968, I joined the first Karate School in Southern Indiana and nearly lived in the dojo. So, the owners decided to make me the first assistant instructor in 1969. As they opened more satellite schools, I rotated to teach at them. I earned my 1st Black Belt in 1971 and moved on to open the first Martial Arts School in New Albany, Indiana in 1972. I opened three more locations by 1974. In 1975, I began adding Boxing, Kickboxing, Kickboxercise and other programs to encompass everyone. We competed, won titles, and offered other programs including school clubs, exhibitions, and lady’s self-defense classes that helped our community. In 2013, after 50 years in Martial Arts, I was promoted to 10th Degree Black Belt and inducted into the USA Alliance Martial Arts Hall of Fame with a “Lifetime Achievement Award.” It was also an honor to receive an award from New Albany’s progressive Mayor, Jeff Gahan in 2012. On our 40th Anniversary, he presented me with a plaque declaring “Terry Middleton Day,” which is much appreciated today and every day. Perseverance, dedication, and the support of many people is the secret to my school’s success. TM This book is dedicated to my grandfather, Clarence Middleton, who boxed while in the United States Army during WWI, and my Father, Dennis Middleton, who boxed while in the United States Navy during WWII. My first memories were watching my Dad workout when I was a young kid. He used Boxing and weight training routines as a way to exercise after the war. I picked up on Boxing in 1963 while in high school. I started studying other Martial Arts in 1968 and found that regular training was a challenging and exciting way to learn the Arts while maintaining physical fitness. I wanted to respectfully condense and summarize the lives of the gloved World Heavyweight Boxing Champions so a person could meet these men, take a mini view of their lives, and learn highlights of their career. These Boxing pioneers paved the way for athletes to safely box competitively while the average person could box as a physical fitness routine. Boxing is exciting, motivating, and offers the benefit of self-defense. My gym has had many competitors and champions but, also has had countless students that don’t compete and only want the benefits that Boxing offers!